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The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, commonly known as Amtrak, is excited to announce the launch of the Floridian, a new temporary train route offering direct round-trip service between Chicago and Miami. Beginning on November 10, 2024, the Floridian will make intermediate stops in key cities, including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa, providing travelers with a comfortable and stylish way to reach their destinations.
Option Trip – This new route combines the iconic travel experiences of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star, creating a unique journey for passengers. “The Floridian offers customers an exceptional and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami, providing the amenities and delicious food our guests enjoy when traveling with us,” stated Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.
Travelers in Coach Class will benefit from wide, reclining seats that offer ample legroom, as well as no middle seats, allowing for an enjoyable travel experience. For added comfort and privacy, passengers have the option to upgrade to a First Class private room. Limited meals in the dining car will also be available for an additional fee for Coach Class customers.
First Class options include a Roomette, featuring two reclining seats that convert into upper and lower beds at night, along with access to showers. Additionally, the Bedroom option provides double the space of a Roomette, complete with an in-room restroom and shower. For travelers with disabilities, Accessible Bedrooms are conveniently located on the entry level of the train and offer ample space for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Private rooms come equipped with large bi-level windows, a sink, and the services of a dedicated attendant who assists with meal services, luggage handling, and shares stories about life on the rails. All customers in private rooms receive complimentary lounge access at major stations and priority boarding.
The Floridian will also offer a Traditional Dining service in the Dining Car, which is a complimentary feature for First Class private room passengers. This dining experience includes enhancements such as chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The service provides table settings with glassware, cutlery, and linen tablecloths and offers vegetarian and vegan meal options. Children’s selections and a complimentary alcoholic drink with dinner will also be part of the menu, which includes crowd favorites such as Amtrak Signature Railroad French Toast, Three Egg Omelet for breakfast, Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, and Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak for dinner.
In order to ensure a smooth transition for passengers during the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York, Amtrak has temporarily combined services from the Capitol Limited and Silver Star to create the Floridian. This project will entail closing one tunnel tube at a time, aiming to minimize service disruptions while maximizing construction access and modernizing the tunnel infrastructure, ultimately serving future generations of passengers.
The Floridian (Trains 40 & 41) will follow a schedule similar to that of the Capitol Limited (Trains 29 & 30) and the Silver Star (Trains 91 & 92), providing seamless travel experiences. Meanwhile, the Silver Meteor (Trains 97 & 98) will continue its daily operations between New York and Miami.
For more information on schedules and ticketing, passengers can visit Amtrak’s official website. With the introduction of the Floridian, Amtrak is excited to offer this new travel experience that connects two vibrant cities while emphasizing comfort and quality service.